Listening Time — 21:46
September 8 is World Physical Therapy Day.
Move Forward Radio aired this pair of episodes to celebrate the month. They profile physical therapists and students of physical therapy who volunteered their services abroad providing much needed care in poverty-stricken countries.
Part 1 - Arcadia University Students in Jamaica
Download the podcast on iTunes or listen below:
Karen Sawyer, PT, DPT, is an assistant professor at Arcadia University. Each year, under Sawyer's supervision, the school sends dozens of physical therapy students to places in need, such as Jamaica. Under the supervision of physical therapists, students help victims of stroke and other neuromuscular disorders regain function and independence. They also learn valuable lessons about passionate care.
Video: Arcadia University's Stroke Camp in Jamaica.
Part 2 - Mission Trips in Central America
Download the podcast on iTunes or listen below:
Physical therapist Efosa Guabadi and physical therapy student Stephanie Irwin recount their experiences volunteering in Central America. They share how people come from far and wide for medical attention at satellite clinics. Due to the demand, time with patients is brief, but the impact can be profound -- for patients and their care-givers.
Efosa L. Guobadia, PT, DPT, is an outpatient orthopedic physical therapist who works for ATI Physical Therapy in Chicago, IL. He is the lead physical therapist for ATI MissionWorks – a program that supports its employees on mission trips around the world. Guobadia currently serves as the Illinois Physical Therapy Association Early Career Physical Therapist Liaison. He also runs the physical therapy website www.pthaven.com, which provides content for physical therapists.
Stephanie Irwin, SPT, is a 3rd year doctor of physical therapy student at Boston University, class of 2014. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from Seattle Pacific University in 2010. As a student, she holds leadership positions in Boston University's Physical Therapy Association as the liaison to the American Physical Therapy Association and the Core Ambassador of the state of Massachusetts for the ATPA Student Assembly. Irwin has volunteered with International Service Learning in Belize and Hands of Light in Action in Haiti, providing physical therapy and medical services to local villages. She is currently completing a doctoral project in partnership with Global Therapy Group to provide educational materials to people in Haiti who have had a stroke.
